Biosensors are essential in the medical industry, detecting biological molecules and converting their interactions into measurable signals. They play a vital role in detecting a wide range of targets, from antibodies to nucleic acids, by transforming biological responses into electrical, optical, or thermal signals for accurate testing and results.
Mylar® Polyester (PET) has emerged as a crucial material in the construction of biosensors due to the film’s natural characteristics of heightened durability, flexibility, and chemical stability. Biosensors demand a construction that supports printed electronics, biological coatings, and a flexible design to allow circuit connections.
Why choose Polyester films for Biosensors:
Durability for wearables- A primary category for biosensors is wearable devices. A wearable device, such as a glucose monitoring system, is a long- or short-term stick to skin device that continuously monitors glucose levels in your blood. These devices must withstand exposure to biological fluids, chemicals, and environmental factors from daily wear and tear. Conforming to your skin, the required substrate must be thin, bendable, and lightweight for the consumer to comfortably wear without compromising its durability. As biosensors are subjected to continuous use, durability remains a critical factor in maintaining their effectiveness, and polyester’s strength and stability provide long-term reliability, supporting consistent performance throughout the device’s lifespan.
Functional in design- Polyester film offers natural optical clarity making it an ideal substrate for optical biosensors. The characteristic plays a key role in medical diagnostics (detecting disease biomarkers), drug discovery (studying protein-ligand interactions), and environmental monitoring (detecting toxins or pathogens). The film’s high transparency allows optimal light transmission, ensuring effective interaction with the biosensing surface. A key advantage of polyester films optical clarity is its ability to support label-free detection, meaning biomolecular interactions can be observed without the need for fluorescent, radioactive, or enzymatic labels (such as dyes, fluorophores, or nanoparticles). This reduces the reliance on additional reagents, lowering the overall cost of components.
Beyond simplifying biosensor construction, polyester film is also more cost-effective than alternatives like glass or silicon. Its availability in thin, roll-to-roll formats enables high-throughput manufacturing, further driving down production costs—an essential for disposable biosensors such as diabetic test strips.
Specific Polyester grades for biosensor applications:
As biosensing technology continues to evolve, the use of PET films will play a role in shaping the future of medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and wearable technology.
Have more questions? Contact a Tekra representative to learn more on how polyester film can be utilized for your biosensor application!
